SCBC’s Ramsey offers website-building help to churches

Maybe your church lacks a website, or it’s a few years old and in need of an update. If so, Judy Ramsey, website strategist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, stands ready to assist.

Ramsey, an 11-year staff member with the SCBC’s communications group, is available to help churches develop or enhance their online communication tools — from websites and social media accounts to text-messaging and email. She has helped churches launch 15 websites over the last year and is currently working with 15 more churches.

Judy Ramsey

“Even small churches need to have a Web presence so that folks can discover them and learn about the ministries they offer,” Ramsey said. She pointed to a Pew Research survey that showed, for small and declining churches, websites were instrumental in bringing in visitors, and, ultimately, new members. The same survey indicated 91 percent of church members use email to connect with their congregations.

To assist churches in developing their communications strategies, Ramsey is happy to visit a church to learn about its needs, assist in developing a website, and teach website maintenance. Social media training is also available, as are as strategies for using email (which can reduce printing costs and save time for staff or volunteers). Ramsey is also available to conduct learning sessions for associations.

In April, her work was recognized by the Baptist Communicators Association. She received a second-place award in communications and marketing strategy for her entry, “Helping Churches Tell the Story.”

Ramsey said she really enjoys her work, especially the blessing she receives from “meeting wonderful folks” in Baptist churches across South Carolina while doing her work.

“There is such a need for churches to have communication strategies that include electronic media and technology to assist them with communicating with their congregations, telling the story of Christ and sharing the gospel with people in their communities and even around the world,” Ramsey said. “We are here to help with that.”

Interested SCBC churches may contact Ramsey at 803-227-6142 or judyramsey@scbaptist.org. Her services are free.